BYU’s Tyler Haws on old friend C.J. Wilcox

BYU sophomore guard Tyler Haws talked about playing in the National Invitation Tournament and reuniting with childhood friend C.J. Wilcox when the Cougars play Washington 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the first round at the Marriott Center.

Here’s most of the transcript.

(How are you feeling?) “We’re feeling pretty good. We were excited to see our name and we’re just excited to play another game. It’s going to be a fun environment tomorrow and we’re looking forward to it.”

(How are you health wise?) “I’m feeling great. A week off with no games really helps a lot. My body feels good and I’m sure our whole team is feeling a lot healthier this week.’

(On the last game) “I felt a little bit out of it at the beginning. I finally found my rhythm in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. We didn’t get it done. But I’m feeling good and I’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

(On lack of games lately and if long break will help) “For sure. We’ve had a good week of practice. A good week of preparation. Washington is a great team and I’m excited to play them.”

(How much did you practice last week?) “We practiced almost every day. A few days we had some individual workouts. Got lots of shots up. We had a good week of practice.”

(C.J. reach out to you yet?) “I haven’t talked to C.J. yet. I haven’t seen him in probably four years. I talked to him a little bit when I get home from my mission. So we kept in touch that way and I followed him this season. It will be a fun, fun rematch for sure.’

(Think you’d play him in college?) “I didn’t think so. I thought there might be a chance in this tournament. And it happened to be that way.”

(Was Sunday a tough day?) “We are disappointed we’re not in the big tournament, but you take what you can get and you just want to keep playing basketball as long as you can. This is a great tournament with lots of good teams. And we’re looking to get a few wins.

(When Washington popped up against BYU what was first thing that entered your mind?) “It was C.J. I was watching with my dad and my family and we’re like yup we’re playing C.J. again. We’ve had lots of great battles over the years. I have a lot of respect for C.J. and his family. So it will be fun.’

(What do you remember about C.J.?) “Just how competitive he is. He wants to win. He’s a shooter. You can’t leave him open anywhere on the court. It will be fun to see him again and play against him again.”

(You played with him and against him, right?) “I did. We go all the way back to sixth grade playing against each other and with each other. We’ve played a lot together. Won a lot of games together. Again I have a lot of respect for him.”

(Think you’ll defend him?) “I’ll probably end up on him a little bit. I’m sure I’ll guard him. That will be a fun matchup.”